Donna M Werla

MADISON - Donna Mae Werla, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on Nov. 6, 1932, in Dane, Wis., the daughter of Joseph and Louise (Esser) Haag. Donna graduated from Lodi High School. She married Herbert Werla on Oct. 9, 1951, at St. Michael’s in Dane. Donna was a charter member of St. Thomas Aquinas parish. She volunteered many hours of her time at the church, especially for funeral luncheons. Donna was strong-willed and stubborn in a loving way. She kept an immaculate home, had a very deep faith, and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Donna always made an effort to reach out to her extended family. She loved creative things like quilting, making cards and doing puzzles. She enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes. Donna enjoyed traveling to Europe, Australia and fishing trips to Canada with Herb. Donna loved to garden, and she had a knack for growing both vegetables and flowers. Donna is survived by her children, Darlene Marie (Randy Ertl) VanGorden, Lori (Rick) Maier, Butch (Paula) Werla and Harlan (Kathy) Werla; eight grandchildren, Jenna (Rob) Vovos, Emily Werla, Austin Werla, Hayley Werla, Ben (Ashley Robbins) Maier, Katie (Kevin) Ingalls, Elizabeth (Alex) Mesenberg and Chelsea (Scott) Pipkorn; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Vovos, William Vovos and Ella Vovos; sisters, Jean Ripp, Louise Dresen and Barb (John) Dresen; and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert J. Werla Sr.; parents; brothers-in-law, Eugene Ripp and LaVerne Dresen; sisters, Vange (Gilbert) Kalscheuer and Venida (Don) Barman; and brothers, Cyril (Laura) Haag, Bob (Betty) Haag, Linus (Mary Lou) Haag and Joe Haag. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761